Brief:Chadar Trek is well known for being a unique winter journey through Ladakh. It can be termed “Khado Sanglam” by Zanskari vocabulary. It travels through the actual route (Dakini Path) which the people of valley use as the last resort to connect to the outside world when there is no link for several weeks at this time of year because of heavy snowfall.

“Chadar” is a common Indian word that means “sheet” and is used to refer here to the sheets of ice formed over the Zanskar river on which we also trek along our route. This specific trek is considered as one of the most amazing one in India due to its unique trekking experience. Chadar frozen river trek offers you some of the most breath-taking sights, ice-peaks along with unforeseen landscapes that are bound to stay in memories forever. The Chadar formations, frozen waterfalls and the whole landscape is different each year.

Chadar Trek is a valley trek and hence doesn’t take much toll on your legs but the difficult part is the temperature. Day temperatures in Leh and while on trek are sub-zero and usually around -5 degrees. The temperatures during night falls drastically to -25 degrees. The ultimate challenge is to keep yourself focussed in completing the challenge.

Day one is acclimatization and rest at Leh to high altitude and harsh weather. Day two onward we start with remarkable journey through the Ladakhi landscape. We return on day eight, rest and cherish the time spend in the remote ‘white’ wild and pack our bags to leave back to our homes on day nine morning.

Short Itinerary:

Day 1: Report at Leh. Acclimatize and over night at guest house.

Day 2: Drive to Chilling [3 hrs]. Trek to Tilat Sumdo camp [1 hr].

Day 3: Trek to Tsomo Paldar [9 km/6 hrs trek].

Day 4: Trek to Dibb [14.5 km/8 hrs trek]

Day 5: Trek to Naerak Pullu [11.5 km/7 hrs trek]

Day 6: Trek from Naerak to Dibb.

Day 7: Trek to Shingra Koma.

Day 8: Trek to Chilling and drive back to Leh.

Day 9: Return from Leh.

Day Wise – Itinerary

Day No: 1
LEH ARRIVAL: Arrive by flight and report at Leh. Rest of the day free for acclimatization. Stay overnight at the hotel. Get also used to the cold.

Day No: 2
LEH – CHILLING – TILAT SUMDO CAMP: Drive from Leh to Chilling and trek to Tilat Sumdo. Today in the morning drive with small brief halt at the magnificent confluence of River Zanskar and Indus and then again a drive to the Chilling, one of the most famous villages in Ladakh, known for craftsmanship, especially the metal works. Touching the Chadar first time, we start the trek for 1-2 hrs along the magnificent frozen river Zanskar till Tilat Sumdo. Overnight in cave/camp/tent. Also learn the fun way to adjust yourself to Ladakhi Shuffle walk style on the frozen slippery ice of River Zanskar.

Day No: 3
TILAT SUMDO – TSOMO PALDAR: After the breakfast call at 7:30 am and an early departure, the walk on the Chadar has fully started. Hearing the different sounds of Chadar forming and breaking, you will soon get familiar where the Chadar or the ice cover is thick and thin.

Day No: 4
TSOMO PALDAR – DIBB: It is the longest day of the trek, we pass through some magnificent beautiful waterfalls and frozen ice cliffs on the left – it is like walking through a giant freezer! The walk also crosses through narrow gorges, where the trekker may have to climb briefly on to the rocky river bank. The sharp bends and current of the river breaks the ice in some places. Lunch in between on a flat rocky hill side by the river.

Day No: 5
DIBB TO NEYRAK PULLU: Again one of the magnificent days on the Chadar trek. However, the caution being that this can become a difficult if the Chadar is not very firm. The vistas are stunning though as we pass through giant frozen waterfalls, ice cliffs and one may even catch sight of the mountain fox. Nyerak village is located high above. Beyond the bridge that links Nyerak village with Lingshed, small huts mark the summer grazing shelters of the villagers.

Day No: 6
NEYRAK TO DIBB: Though technically it is the same way back, it is also quite different. The Chadar or the blanket of ice that is forming on the River Zanskar is always changing, breaking up and forming itself again. As the Chadar dynamics are ever changing, the same route and place would look and feel different as the texture and conditions change.

Day No: 7
DIBB (TIBB) to SHINGRA KOMA: Today we trek from Dibb to Shingra Koma. Shingra Koma is a big camping ground on your right as you walk up stream. Its right below a huge stone wall which is straight out of a hollywood movie. The Zanskar river takes a beautiful turn right in front of the camp site and sharp peaks rise on the other side of the river.

Day No: 8
SHINGRA KOMA – CHILLING – LEH: Last day of our amazing trekking experience. We trek from our campsite in Shingra Koma to Chilling which was also the start point of our trek. From Chilling we drive back to Leh. Overnight at a guesthouse.

Day No: 9
DEPARTURE FROM LEH: Today we depart from Leh to our destination with some wonderful and lifetime memories.

Exclusions:Any kind of personal expenses.
Food during the stay in Leh.
Airport Transfers in Leh.
Insurance.
Mules or porter to carry personal luggage.
Anything not specifically mentioned under the head.
Any additional permits levied over currently applicable by local authorities.
Service Tax Extra (3.5%)

Normally Crazy Peaks expects you to carry your personal luggage on your own, if you don’t want to carry your backpack so you can give it to porter, but you have to informe us in advance and have to pay extra.

Cancellation Policy:
Up to 30 Days :- 90% of Trek/adventure program cost will be refunded.
Between 21 – 30 Days :- 60% of Trek/adventure program cost will be refunded.
Between 20 – 11 Days :- 30% of Trek/adventure program cost will be refunded.
Less than 10 Days :- No refund.

Any requests on cancellation will not be taken over the phone.

In case the Chadar Trek gets cancelled cause of natural phenomenon or any other reason beyond our control, we shall arrange for alternative treks like Lamayuru Trek, Zanskar Valley Trek or the Indus River Trek looking at the situation and possibility of the events. ?If the participant is unwilling to go for the alternative trek, there would be no refund or no voucher issued? as for Chadar trek, all the services have to be arranged before hand and can not be shifted to any other date.

No show and trek changes/cancellation due to bad weather or natural calamity will be non-refundable. No money shall be refunded in case a person is rescued and brought back to the base camp before the said date. If the travellers need to return before the trip ends, they shall have to bear all the expenses for accommodation and meals at Leh or any other place.

In Case of Causality:

If any trekker feels unwell and has to be brought back to the base camp. All the charges, Including The rescue fees, medication, Ambulance/Transport, Accommodation apart from the scheduled itinerary, Meals or any other medical or Miscellaneous expenses will have to be borne by the trekker. We have one Backup plan by which people unwilling to continue to carry on with the trek can accompany the person heading back to the base camp with the team only once. If in case a second emergency occurs, The Complete Trek will be terminated and all the participants shall be immediately dropped back to the base camp.

P.S. We are only liable to offer the services mentioned as per the itinerary and inclusions.

Unused Services:

We shall not offer or pay any discounts or refunds for missed or unused services which were missed or unused by the client due to no fault of ours, or our representatives, which shall include any termination of the client’s participation in the tour product due to the client’s own fault, negligence or breach of these Terms.

Tips & Essentials

Come with only one mind-set i.e.. “I’m going to have a wonderful time and one of the most unique experiences of being in the Himalayas.”

SO NO STUDIES, NO WORK, NO STRESS and NO MORE POLLUTION. Just 09 days of complete BLISS and Ecstasy…

– You can leave your extra stuff at Leh and take only necessary things to the mountain, once you are back from the trek you can collect it from our Guest house.

– Trek is led by a professional trek leader. There will one trek leader, local guides, one cook, helper and supporting staff so no need to worry about the safety part.

– We provide only vegetarian food during the trek so kindly do not expect non vegetarian food.

– Carry enough layers with you as you may never know what nature has in store for you. Don’t stretch it too much, keep it simple.

– For all those photographers and mobile junkies, do carry extra batteries/memory card as batteries tend to drain faster in cold environments. Mobile signals will not be available during the trek.

– Do carry Glucose-D/electrolytes/candy. These things will help you to get back the taste on your tongue and will keep your spirits up. Any ways we will give you enough refreshment to get going on the way.

– Wind-cheaters/Ponchos for protection against wind/rain/snow. Will also protect your thermals from getting wet and damp.

– Floaters/Slippers are a strict NO. Wear good traction ankle covering shoes. Floaters are good only while answering natures calls.

– Carry extra plastic bags in which you can put in your wet clothes/garbage/etc. DON’T LITTER AROUND, KEEP IT CLEAN.

– Remove all your jewelries at home and carry good sun glasses and sun creams.

– ALCOHOL IS TOTALLY PROHIBITED DURING THE TREK. Even though if you wish to carry alcohol or smoke, please do it at your own risk because sometimes it has proven FATAL at high altitudes.

– In case of Emergency:- We have enough no. of support team members during the trek but in any case any casualty happens during the trek, we provide the basic first-aid, oxygen cylinder and stretcher to bring down the casualty to the road head. For rescue assistance you have to pay on your own.

Trek Essentials

Things to Get:

– Backpack (60 – 70 L) with sturdy and comfortable shoulder straps and supporting frame. Add-on poncho can be considered to keep it dry.

– Trekking shoes. Ensure the shoes are well broken in before the trek. Shoes should have good grip, ankle support and waterproofing.

– 2 x waterproof track-pants. Track-pants are light. Plus when things get cold you can wear one over the other. DO NOT bring Jeans, Shorts, Capris, etc.

– Slippers / sandals (for walking around campsite, you can share this with tent mates).

– Trekking / Hiking Poles (at least one – mandatory)

– Some trekkers feel loss of energy more than others. While there is adequate food provided on the trek, carry dry fruit combinations as light snacks. Glucon-D can help in instant energy and considered good in AMS as well (not proven).

– While packing, use plastic bags to compartmentalize things and carry few extra plastic bags for wet clothes.

IMPORTANT

NEVER LEAVE ANY PLASTIC OUT IN THE NATURE. Plastic is only for use. If you’ve spare plastic bag, free hands and some will, we’d recommend you collecting non-biodegradable waste from the trail and bringing back as much as possible. We all can do our bit for the Mother Nature.

– Do not carry any disposable plastic bottles (Bisleri etc.), plastic wrapped/packaged items. Do not bring any non biodegradable material.

– After packing, weigh your gear. It should be in the range of 7-8 kg – preferably on the lighter side. Anything heavier, you will need to iterate and remove what is not essential.

– Carry light and what is essential. As an example, toothpaste should be bought in small size (that can last you 15 days). The list of things mentioned here are exactly what you need and nothing more.

– To protect yourself from cold, dress in layers. Two T-shirts worn one over the other is warmer than a T-shirt that is thick. 3 T-shirts worn one over the other is as good as a full sweater. This is just a guideline. If you are prone to cold carry an extra sweater.

– The trek dates / itinerary / plan are liable to be changed in case of non viability or hostile weather conditions. So, be prepared and enjoy the time.

– Along with the above list, please ensure you also carry the following documents:

The documents are mandatory. Without them you will not be allowed to trek.

Fitness Required:

For any trek physical fitness is a must. Make sure you start to train yourself a few weeks from the commencement of the trek. Starting from brisk walking to be able to run comfortably for 4-5 kms. in 30 minutes ensures that you are ready to take on the harsh conditions of a high altitude trek. If you are just fit, you will still be able to do the same trek, but the difficulties you face will be harder. So it is best to be 100% fit for you to enjoy the trek without worries.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1) No. of Trek Leaders / Guide accompanying the group?
One trek leader, one guide, one cook & around 5 – 6 helpers and porters, that makes a total staff of around 9-10 professionally qualified / locals accompanying 15 to 20 trekkers.

2) How trek leaders manage emergency situations. Do we have stratures, oxygen cylinder at all times?
Our all trek leaders qualified “Advance mountaineering course” from (NIM, HIM, & ABVIMAS) & trek leaders are certified in “Wilderness first-aid” and are aware of high attitude problems, and we carry whole first-aid kit and necessary medicines with our backpack & team is trained and always present to manage any emergency situations. Oxygen cylinder remains with the trek leader in all our treks over 4500 mtrs altitude.
Also, trek leaders have a right to change the plan in case there is danger involved for the group or whenever the trek leader deem it necessary. Final word of the trek leaders will have to followed by all the members.

3) Are Crampons provided during the trek?
Yes, we provide crampons / microspikes, depending on requirement.

4) Who will lead and who all will go along with us?
Always trek leads by professional Trek leader who has completed Basic and Advance mountaineering course and certified in first-aid course leads and along with one local guide and supporting staff. Trek leader apart from professional qualification are vastly experienced in scaling variuos peaks across the country.

5) Is Diamox advisable?
No, Diamox is not advisable. If you want use so please consult your doctor before use.

6) If i am the only girl in trek, so is it safe?
Yes, our first priority is to provide the safety environment for all trekkers and the girls’ safety is of foremost important for us. We always create friendly environment between trekker. And other supporting staff is carefully chosen for your trips. But we would also advise you to take care of your own personal belongings.

7) I can’t carry my bag can anyone carry it for me?
Yes, But you should intimate 15 days in advance, so that we will arrange the porter or mule accordingly.

8) What type of food is served during a trek?
We always serve vegetarian food during the trek.

9) How to get safe drinking water on the trek?
Himalayan water is naturally clean but we use boil and chlorine tablet water for drinking.

10) I should bring my personal medicines with me?
Yes, it is always advisable.

11) What if we cannot complete the trek?
Most of the trekkers complete this trek. But if not it is nothing to be ashamed of. We keep safety and health as the top priority and do not push anyone beyond one’s limits. Even experienced trekkers never complete all of their expeditions!

12) Medical Certificate and Disclaimer Form?
We DO NOT allow anyone on the trek without medical certificate and disclaimer form in the format provided by us.